HandsOn HDV was shot entirely in HDV with Z1 and FX1 camcorders, edited with FCP, and output in 16x9 SD for the DVD. Throughout the video, a variety of video shooting modes are demonstrated and explained, including Cineframe 24, CinemaTone, and customized Picture Profiles.

This is not a bench-top demonstration or in-studio camera review. It is an in-depth training video with shooting done by professionals with years of ENG/EFP broadcast shooting experience. Shooting took place over a four week period in many locations of the country, under different conditions, indoors, outdoors, lit, natural light, sports, b-roll, interview setups, and in-studio, to give as much variety as possible to the demonstrations and examples.

An EXTRAS folder is included on the DVD with several exclusive documents, including: A detailed reference chart that outlines every customizable setting of all six of the default Picture Profiles so you can compare them and see the differences. Also included is a comparison chart of the major differences between the Z1 and the FX1. Some features discussed in the video only apply to the Z1 and this chart helps identify those differences.

HandsOn HDV will tell you everything you'll need to know to get up and running quickly with either of the Sony HDV camcorders. All of the essential features and functions are covered in detail.

The DVD Answers the Following Questions . . .

How can I integrate HDV footage into my existing SD work flow?

What are Cineframe and CinemaTone? Should I use them?

How can I display time-code on a field monitor or make VHS window -dubs?

Why shouldn't I switch the viewfinder to black and white?

Why does my iris change when I zoom even when I'm shooting on manual exposure?

Is this a good camera for shooting in low light?

How do I control audio manually, and where should my levels be set?

What are zebra and peaking, and what settings should I use?

How can I create my own customized menus?

What are the differences between the 6 default Picture Profiles?

Why shouldn't I use the shutter to control exposure?

Is Expanded Focus any good, and how can I use it?

What is Phantom Power, and do I need it?

When should I use the built-in microphone?

How can I turn on the viewfinder and monitor simultaneously?

Should I shoot on HDV if I only need SD now?

What is AllScan for?

How and when should I White Balance?

I've put my iris on manual, so why can't I control the exposure?

What are the differences between the six ways of zooming?

How come I can't do "snap zooms"?

How can I focus manually and get it right?

Can I use the XLR input on one channel and the built-in mic on the other?

How can I match time-code on a multi-camera shoot?

Should I shoot in drop-frame or non-drop?

What are the Assign buttons and how do I use them?

What settings can I control with the Picture Profiles?

How can I create my own custom Picture Profiles?

Can I reset a Profile back to the default settings?

What is Color Correction and how is it done?

. . . and much more.